Experience the beautiful artwork of local artists. The exhibit includes unique paintings, photographs, and collages created by Georgia artists. Presented by the Dunwoody Fine Arts…
This event is currently underway
History of Dunwoody
Today, Dunwoody, Georgia, is known as an urban center for dining and premier shopping near Atlanta, anchored by Perimeter Mall, but the area officially recognized as the city of Dunwoody didn’t exist until December 2008, when Dunwoody was officially incorporated following a community-led movement.
Although not formally recognized as a city before then, residents in this area have always identified themselves as living in "Dunwoody" — a place with a distinctive history separate from other areas and cities in DeKalb County.
Listen to one of the founding mothers give her account of the incorporation of Dunwoody as a city in this two-part podcast from our friends at What's Up Dunwoody.
An Early Center of Commerce
Dunwoody’s roots go back hundreds of years, but even from its earliest days, Dunwoody, GA, has been a center of commerce. The Cherokee Indian tribe of the Creek Confederation first inhabited the area that is now Dunwoody, largely because of its proximity to the Chattahoochee River. It was the largest and busiest trading center in the vicinity. By 1820, Cherokee farms dotted the area around the Chattahoochee, and white settlers began to arrive soon thereafter, creating homesteads and expanding the area’s population.
Shaped by Mill & Rail
Charles Archibald Alexander Dunwoody (Dunwoody namesake, 1828-1905) was the son of John Dunwoody (also spelled Dunwody), one of the founders of the Roswell Manufacturing Company mills in neighboring Roswell, Georgia. By 1853, area had two cotton mills, employed about 300 people and was the largest cotton factory complex in North Georgia.
A railroad between Roswell and Atlanta was soon built, used to transport much-needed mill products to Atlanta during the Civil War and first linking the Dunwoody area to Atlanta. Much of that line was destroyed during the war, and after the fighting ended, Charles Dunwoody decided to build a new home near what it now Chamblee-Dunwoody Road and Spalding Drive.
A new railroad, the Roswell Railroad, was built to run between Roswell and Chamblee with a stop in Dunwoody, carrying produce from Dunwoody and fabric from the mills in Roswell. Dunwoody soon developed as a crossroads community (Chamblee-Dunwoody, Mt. Vernon and Nandina Road) and continued to grow and prosper even after the railroad shut down in 1921.
Enduring History
Today, people can visit several historic sites in Dunwoody, including the city’s oldest building, the Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church, which was built in 1829. The still-active church is home to a well-preserved cemetery where many of the founding fathers of Dunwoody are buried. Visitors can also browse through the Cheek-Spruill Farmhouse (1906), Swancy Farmhouse (1889) and Railroad Section Gang House (1880).
History of our Hospitality
Dunwoody's hotel scene has transformed into a true hospitality mecca in metro-Atlanta. While many of Dunwoody's hotel brands are new to the Perimeter Center market, staples like the Marriott Atlanta Perimeter Center and Crowne Plaza Ravinia have evolved with the City's growing hotel scene over the last 50 years.
- Marriott Atlanta Perimeter Center (March 1976)
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Center (December 1985)
- Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia (March 1986)
- Atlanta Perimeter Hotel & Suites (Sept 1991)
- Staybridge Suites Atlanta Perimeter Center (Nov 1991)
- Dunwoody Convention and Visitors Bureau (December 2009)
- Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter (Former Atlanta Perimeter Hotel & Suites) (Feb 2013)
- Hampton by Hilton Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody (May 2016)
- Residence Inn Atlanta Perimeter Center Dunwoody (Aug 2017)
- Hyatt Place Atlanta Perimeter (Sept 2020)
- Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta- Perimeter Center (Former Staybridge Suites Atlanta Perimeter) (Dec 2020)
- AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Perimeter (Sept 2021)
Upcoming Events
Join Outspoken Entertainment every Tuesday at 7:30 PM for Music Bingo at Politan Row! It’s free to play and a perfect way to unwind with…
The City of Dunwoody invites the community to give special recognition to all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces during its…
Happy Hour at Agave Bandido brings bold vibes, crave‑worthy flavors, and the perfect excuse to stay for one more. Enjoy special offers on appetizers, beers…
Weekdays are happier at The Hampton Social! Monday–Friday from 3–6 PM, unwind with special offers on handcrafted drinks, beer, and wine, plus a selection of…
Bring the whole family together for a joyful yoga experience that strengthens bodies and bonds! This free class combines playful movement, breathing exercises, and partner…
Trivia Night at Morty's hosted by Team Trivia GA. Bring your smartest squad and get ready for some good food & fun! Game starts at 7!!
Join Agave Bandido every Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for Ladies Night exclusively in the bar area. Enjoy complimentary drinks, hits from the…
$5 Thursdays All day with Trivia @7!
Thursdays at Okay Anny’s – take it back to the block with OG hits from the '80s & 90s⏰ 8 PM - 11 PM! 🕺🍸Pick…
Spruill Gallery’s annual holiday shopping experience featuring unique handmade gifts and art created by Georgia artists and artisans. The fair includes ornaments, pottery, candles, blankets…
Rotary Club of Dunwoody — Weekly Friday Morning Meeting Start your Friday morning with great people, inspiring speakers, and meaningful community connection! The Rotary Club…